Forging the Future of Freedom
The National Black Justice Collective (NBJC) proudly presents the 2025 Cohort of 100 Black LGBTQ+/SGL Emerging Leaders to Watch—a rigorously selected consortium of extraordinary changemakers representing the next generation of freedom fighters. Through a highly competitive process involving hundreds of exceptional nominees, these standout leaders have been recognized as innovators, entrepreneurs, elected officials, academics, artists, thought leaders, trendsetters, social justice warriors, pundits, and scholars actively reshaping our world.
These emerging leaders carry forward the revolutionary spirit of icons like Bayard Rustin, Audre Lorde, James Baldwin, and Marsha P. Johnson. They use their platforms to amplify voices, forge robust networks, and drive systemic change. Their mission is clear: own their power, transform their communities, and build an equitable future where justice isn’t just promised—it’s delivered.
From the intellectual courage of Alain Locke to the spiritual leadership of Rev. Dr. Pauli Murray’s spiritual leadership, we stand on the shoulders of giants who blazed trails through seemingly impossible terrain. Today’s cohort translates this revolutionary legacy into contemporary action that drives policy change, builds inclusive communities, and transforms systems from within.
Discover the inspiring stories, support transformative leadership, and help us identify tomorrow’s changemakers:
- Explore Leader Profiles – Meet the 2025 cohort
- Support Our Mission – Donate to NBJC
- Recommend a Leader – Help us identify future changemakers
Engage With The Leaders: media@nbjc.org
About the Program
From Emerging to Movement Leaders: A Decade of Proven Impact
In 2015, NBJC launched this groundbreaking initiative through a rigorous selection process, identifying 100 dynamic emerging leaders aged 18-30 from hundreds of exceptional nominees nationwide. A decade later, we’ve witnessed an extraordinary transformation: our inaugural cohort has evolved into a powerhouse of movement leaders, with many now serving as elected officials, founding influential organizations, leading major policy initiatives, and driving systemic change across industries.
This ten-year milestone marks both celebration and renewal. We honor the proven impact of our competitive selection process while introducing a fresh cohort of visionary leaders—voices that will define the next decade of progress in civil rights, innovation, and community building. Each member of our 2025 cohort represents individual excellence and the collective power to reshape our nation’s future.
The 2015-2016 inaugural cohort continues to demonstrate the transformative power of this platform. Initially recognized as emerging leaders, they have become movement leaders whose influence spans local communities and national policy arenas. Their success validates our mission: identifying exceptional talent early and providing the platform they need to amplify their impact.
Our 2025 cohort carries this legacy forward—fresh voices deserving recognition for their leadership, innovation, and unwavering commitment to building a more just and equitable world where all Black LGBTQ+/SGL people can thrive.
National Black Justice Collective (NBJC)
Leading at the Intersection of Justice and Equality
Since 2003, the National Black Justice Collective has provided crucial leadership at the intersection of racial justice and LGBTQ+ equality movements. As America’s premier Black LGBTQ+/SGL civil rights organization focused on federal public policy, NBJC has accepted the charge of leading Black families in strengthening bonds and bridging gaps between these vital movements.
Our Mission: To end racism and homophobia while empowering Black lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer+, and same-gender loving (LGBTQ+/SGL) people to participate fully in family, faith, and community.
NBJC advocates for the unique challenges and needs of the African American LGBTQ+/SGL community, whose voices are often relegated to the sidelines in broader civil rights conversations. We understand that our liberation is interconnected and that true equality requires addressing both racial and LGBTQ+ discrimination simultaneously.